King James Version

What Does Proverbs 6:21 Mean?

Proverbs 6:21 in the King James Version says “Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.”

Proverbs 6:21 · KJV

Context

19

A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

20

My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

21

Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22

When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

23

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: lamp: or, candle

Read Proverbs 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bind these commands on your heart, tie them around your neck. The Hebrew 'qashar' (bind) and 'anaq' (tie/necklace) command intimate association with wisdom. Heart-binding indicates internalization; neck-wearing suggests visible identification. Wisdom shouldn't be external rule to consult occasionally but internal reality shaping identity and visible testimony to others. This echoes Deuteronomy 6:6-8's command to bind God's words on hands, foreheads, and doorposts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures used amulets and phylacteries - physical objects worn for spiritual protection or identification. Israelites were commanded to bind Torah physically (phylacteries) and spiritually (internalization). Jesus criticized Pharisees for ostentatious phylacteries while neglecting heart obedience (Matthew 23:5). True binding is internal, producing external fruit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you 'bind' God's Word more deeply to your heart rather than merely acknowledging it intellectually?
  2. What would wearing wisdom 'around your neck' look like in visible daily practice?
  3. How do you balance internal internalization with external witness to God's truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
קָשְׁרֵ֣ם1 of 7

“Bind”

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עַל2 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִבְּךָ֣3 of 7

“upon thine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

תָמִ֑יד4 of 7

“them continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

עָ֝נְדֵ֗ם5 of 7

“and tie”

H6029

to lace fast

עַל6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גַּרְגְּרֹתֶֽךָ׃7 of 7

“them about thy neck”

H1621

the throat (as used in rumination)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 6:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:3Proverbs 7:3-42 Corinthians 3:3Exodus 13:16Proverbs 4:6Deuteronomy 6:8

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